Rep. John Cavanaugh

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state grant program administered by Nebraska's Department of Economic Development to fund nonprofit organizations operating bike-sharing systems. Nonprofits must apply for grants, report on fund usage, and return unused funds. The bill specifically intends to allocate $250,000 from the General Fund to establish this program, directly affecting community bike-sharing initiatives and their nonprofit operators.

Maddy summaryLB 16 establishes Nebraska's first regulatory framework for consumable hemp products, requiring retailers to obtain licenses and follow specific rules for sales. It defines consumable hemp products as those intended for inhalation or ingestion (excluding topical products and certain seeds regulated by the FDA), creates a Hemp Control Commission under the existing Liquor Control Commission, and sets licensing procedures. This bill directly affects businesses selling hemp products for consumer use (not resale) and the commission overseeing enforcement. The law aims to regulate these products for public safety while generating tax revenue through excise taxes on consumable hemp sales.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 18 requires local authorities to verify specific safety and accessibility standards before approving new or modified utility poles for wireless providers under the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act. It mandates that pole installations must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, not obstruct public travel or safety, and not interfere with utility operations (Section 9). The bill also sets strict height limits: new poles cannot exceed 5 feet above the tallest existing pole within 500 feet or 50 feet above ground level (Section 5). This directly affects wireless companies installing poles in public right-of-way, ensuring standardized safety checks and height restrictions.

Maddy summaryLB 447 amends Nebraska's Community Development Law to require specific wage standards and apprentice utilization for certain redevelopment contracts. It directly affects community redevelopment authorities and developers working on projects in designated "blighted" or "enhanced employment" areas. The bill mandates that contracts for these projects must include provisions for paying prevailing wages and using apprentices in construction roles. These requirements apply to redevelopment contracts entered into under the Community Development Law, impacting how such projects are structured and implemented. The changes focus on ensuring fair compensation and workforce development within approved redevelopment initiatives.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 570 creates a scholarship program for nursing students, providing $2,500 per semester to eligible students enrolled in approved nursing programs. To qualify, students must reside in Nebraska, enroll in an approved associate, diploma, certificate, or accelerated bachelor's nursing program, and agree to work as a nurse in Nebraska for two years after graduation. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to administer the program, with the Legislature intending to appropriate $5 million for fiscal year 2025-26. This policy directly affects nursing students in Nebraska seeking financial support in exchange for a commitment to work in the state's healthcare sector.

Maddy summaryLB 409 amends Nebraska's Power Review Board membership rules. It requires the board to include at least one licensed journeyman electrician affiliated with a specific labor organization (after a vacancy occurs), alongside an engineer and attorney. The bill also restricts board members from having recent ties to electric utilities (within four years) and limits the board to no more than three members from the Governor's political party. These changes directly affect who serves on the board, which reviews electric utility matters.

Maddy summaryLB 17 prohibits Nebraska residential landlords from charging certain fees, such as application fees when no units are available or for inconsistent pricing, and caps late fees at 5% of overdue rent or $50. It requires landlords to provide written receipts for all fees, disclose tenant background check details (including the reporting agency's contact info), and share consumer reports with applicants. The bill also mandates clear written itemization of all mandatory and optional fees in rental agreements, including their frequency and cancellation options. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants in Nebraska rental housing, aiming to increase transparency and limit unfair charges.

Maddy summaryLB 571 requires Nebraska public power districts with defined benefit retirement plans to provide annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to certain retirees starting January 1, 2026. The COLA must match the annual adjustment determined by the federal Social Security Administration. This applies specifically to retirees who are not eligible for Social Security benefits. The bill directly affects public power district retirees in Nebraska whose retirement plans are defined benefit plans, ensuring their benefits keep pace with inflation as measured by Social Security's annual adjustment.

Maddy summaryLB 410 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover medically necessary prosthetics (like artificial limbs) and orthotics (custom devices for body parts, such as braces) as prescribed by a doctor. It applies to individual/group health plans, hospital/surgical policies, and self-funded employer plans (where federal law doesn’t block it), matching the coverage level provided under Medicare for these items. The bill prohibits annual or lifetime dollar limits specifically for prosthetics/orthotics (though standard deductibles may still apply) and ensures access to care from non-contracted specialists. This directly affects Nebraskans with insurance who need these medical devices, ensuring coverage aligns with Medicare standards without additional financial barriers for these specific services.

Maddy summaryLB 152 creates a homestead exemption in Nebraska, effective January 1, 2026, that exempts the first $100,000 of a primary residence's actual value from property taxes. It directly affects Nebraska homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence, as defined by the bill. Key provisions include setting the exemption amount, allowing transfers of the exemption when moving to a new homestead, and requiring state reimbursement for the tax loss. The bill harmonizes existing homestead exemption rules and amends multiple tax statutes to implement this change.